Radiation treatment: Women who had radiation therapy to treat cervical cancer have an increased risk of developing bladder cancer.

Bladder infection: A long-term (chronic) bladder infection or irritation may lead to a certain type of bladder cancer.

Most cases of bladder cancer are highly treatable, with 85 percent to 90 percent of people still alive at five years. Physicians from Urology and Wake Forest Baptist’s Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest Baptist work closely together to determine the best treatment for each patient.

In cases where the cancer hasn’t spread beyond the bladder lining, the treatment is to “scrape” the bladder to remove cancerous cells. When the cancer is more advanced, the bladder may need to be removed. Wake Forest Baptist is one of a few centers in the country offering robotic surgeryfor cancer of the bladder. Our urologic surgeons have extensive experience using bowel to create a “new” bladder, often allowing urine to empty naturally.

Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider.